Float tube fly fish Sawmill Lake with a private guide at Northstar
4 Hours
Rod & reel, waders, float tube
Explore Sawmill Lake on a private, guided half-day fly fishing trip in float tubes. Fish a secluded high-mountain reservoir with catch-and-release, fly-fishing-only rules.
Ages 12 and up, and you must know how to swim. A California fishing license is required for each angler (extra cost; one-day license is $16.46). Guide gratuities are not included.
Cancel 7 days or more before your trip for a 100% refund. Cancel within 7–3 days for a 50% charge of guide rates. Cancel within 72 hours: no refund or transfer; full guide rates charged.
You must be age 12 or older and you must know how to swim.
Yes. Each angler needs a California fishing license. This is an extra cost. A one-day license is listed as $16.46.
No. Guide tips/gratuities are not included.
Sawmill Lake - Northstar Resort, Truckee, CA
The guides here consistently earn glowing praise, with Joel, Bobby, Jasper, and Taylor all mentioned by name for their patience, expertise, and genuine enthusiasm. Reviewers highlight how these guides work hard to put clients on fish, often leading to impressive catches including 17-20 inch trout in beautiful, uncrowded locations like the Carson and Truckee Rivers. What stands out is their ability to tailor experiences to different skill levels—complete beginners report gaining real confidence, while more experienced anglers appreciate the detailed local knowledge about flies and fishing spots. The shop itself gets kudos for knowledgeable staff who freely share advice about gear, water conditions, and where to fish. Several reviewers mention stopping in just for recommendations and leaving with helpful guidance. The retail side seems well-stocked with quality gear like Orvis rods. One visitor did note the shop runs a bit small, and there was a minor complaint about closing early on a Saturday, but these seem like isolated issues in an otherwise stellar operation that's clearly beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Fished on the East Carson with Jake ( otherwise know as Jacob). 07/06/26: Highly recommend this guide. Book him by name. Jake handled situations well on the fly. Pun intended haha. He gave me real time coaching and short efficient lessons that were extremely helpful. I landed my first fish on a fly rod in just a few short casts. We landed 9-10 fish and lost 3. We had multiple fly rods rigged up to cut time changing flies and setups. Fished with an Indicator rig as well as a dry fly and caught fish on both. The real time coaching as i fished was what made the experience worth it. I feel confident I took away a lot of techniques that I will be Able to use on my own now. 18” rainbow on an indicator rig pictured.
James Tatum
July 6, 2026
Fished on the East Carson with Jake ( otherwise know as Jacob). 07/06/26: Highly recommend this guide. Book him by name. Jake handled situations well on the fly. Pun intended haha. He gave me real time coaching and short efficient lessons that were extremely helpful. I landed my first fish on a fly rod in just a few short casts. We landed 9-10 fish and lost 3. We had multiple fly rods rigged up to cut time changing flies and setups. Fished with an Indicator rig as well as a dry fly and caught fish on both. The real time coaching as i fished was what made the experience worth it. I feel confident I took away a lot of techniques that I will be Able to use on my own now. 18” rainbow on an indicator rig pictured.
James Tatum
July 6, 2026
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